Eric Hu
Mr.Underwood
World History 10-3
2nd June, 2018
What can we learn about Babylonia from Hammurabi's Code?
In 1894 B.C.E, a civilization, the ancient Babylonian Civilization emerged in the Central Southern part of Mesopotamia (present day Iraq). This civilization is considered by many to be one of the earliest significant ancient civilizations of all time. Of all the Ancient Babylonian artifacts discovered, one specific significant item is the Code of Hammurabi. Dating back to about 1754, this artifact is not only one of the most ancient deciphered long documents, and the earliest written law code, but also a key to understand Ancient Babylonian Culture. We can learn a lot about Babylonia's economy, society, religion, and technology
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"When Anu the Sublime…and Bel, the lord of Heaven and earth, who decreed the fate of the land, assigned to Marduk, the over-ruling son of Ea, God of righteousness, power over earthly man, and made him great… they called Babylon by his celebrated name, made it great on earth, and founded an everlasting kingdom in it. Then Anu and Bel called by name me, Hammurabi, the exalted prince, who feared God, to bring about the rule of righteousness in the land, to destroy the wicked and the evil-doers; so that the strong should not harm the weak; so that I should rule over the black-headed people like Shamash, and enlighten the land, to further the well-being of mankind."("Code of Hammurabi," 1780 BCE) This quote from the Code of Hammurabi shows that the Babylonians believed in the existence of multiple gods, such as Anu the Sublime, Bel, Murdak, and Ea. This quote also indicates that the rule of Hammurabi, and the monarchy in general in Babylonia at the time was believed to be granted by …show more content…
We aren't certain if Hammurabi's Code was enforced well. We have no record of how the code was enforced and how its laws applied in the society at that time. Further more, Hammurabi's Code is only one document that describes the legal life of Babylonians at that time. If you want to have a more thorough understanding of the Babylonian civilization, or specifically their lifestyle, you should research more sources and documents to gain more information and have a clearer understanding of the Babylonians at that time. Hammurabi's Code might not reflect all aspect of life during the time in